PERSONAL COMPUTER, MONITOR, SCANNER, AND PRINTER

Personal Computers, Scanners, Printers, Etc.

1. Many monitors, scanners, and printer are multi-voltage and only require plug adapters for their use in foreign countries. If a device is "multi-voltage" somewhere on the charging unit or body it will say (not necessarily verbatim) "input 100-240 v 50-60 hz". If that is the case, then you only need wall outlet plug adapters in countries where their voltage is between 100 volts and 240 volts. The voltage in Japan is the low end of the scale at 100 volts but there are some countries above 240 volts with 250 volts (mostly in Africa) so you have to be careful and ask before plugging into any outlet not clearly identified. Also, be aware that some devices are multi-voltage but only have a low end range from 110 volts or 120 volts and they will read "input 110-240v 50-60 hz" or input "120 -240v 50-60 hz".

2. If the AC – DC adapter or the device itself is multi-voltage and all you need are plug adapters you need to check the plug on the device to see if it is grounded (3 pins) or ungrounded (2 pins), then go to our World Electric Guide, choose your destination country, and select the grounded or ungrounded plug adapters for the country you have chosen. The selection shows both grounded and ungrounded plug adapters in a bundled kit for those customers who are often bringing both types of appliances but there are links in the text just below the Order button to allow you to order one or the other instead of both.

3. As an example, if you are going to Iraq with a multi-voltage grounded device you can see the recommended grounded plug adapters are the WA-7 and the WA-10 which can be ordered here or if the device is ungrounded you would order the ungrounded #5 an #6 here.

4. If the AC – DC adapter or the device itself isn't multi-voltage, you will need a step down transformer. The first thing you will need to do is determine that the device is dual frequency. It must say somewhere, 50-60 hz. If it only says 60 hz then it will probably rotate 17% slower in the 50 hz environment. Secondly, you must determine the watts of the device so that you know what size transformer to order. This information should be on the device somewhere, it is a UL requirement that this information be permanently marked on all appliances. Once you know the watts, you are ready to order. You will still need plug adapters for whatever type of transformer you get then go to our World Electric Guide, choose your destination country, and select the grounded or ungrounded plug adapters for the country you have chosen. The selection shows both grounded and ungrounded plug adapters in a bundled kit for those customers who are often bringing both types of appliances but there are links in the text just below the Order button to allow you to order one or the other instead of both.

5. If you are going to "cluster" several of your multi-voltage devices in one area or work station you can plug them into the same 220 volt muti-outlet power strips or 220 volt surge protectors (usually up to 1875 watts) but don't try using your 110 volt surge protectors from home. They will burn up on the spot.

6. One last word, never order a transformer that is too small for the job.